'Uncomfortable' Sean Payton Calls Out Broncos' Play After Comeback Win vs. Stafford, Rams

Despite an epic comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton isn't pleased with how his team has performed three games into the 2026 season.

Payton said after Denver's 30-26 victory that he doesn't want comeback wins to become a habit for the Broncos, who improved to 2-1.

"I'm pleased with how we responded," Payton said, per ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "But we can't, like -- that'll cost us in bigger games. … It will be something we're frustrated about later if we can't clean it up.

"I'm comfortable with the grit of a team that can play well in the fourth quarter,'' he continued. "I'm uncomfortable with how we play at the start of games. … You're going to be in tight games, but as the head coach, you can't possibly be comfortable with the way the first half unfolded."

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The Broncos faced a 16-0 deficit at halftime and totaled just 67 net yards of offense in the first two quarters. They eventually found a groove in the second half, but Payton still lamented the slow start.

"We have to find a way to play better earlier," Payton said. "That area needs to get better."

Legwold noted that Denver quarterback Bo Nix, who threw two touchdowns and ran for another in the comeback victory, earned his 10th come-from-behind, fourth-quarter win since the start of the 2024 season, which leads the NFL in that span. The Broncos set a new NFL record last year by going 11-2 in one-score games, and they're 2-0 in such games this season.

However, Payton made it clear that his team has a lot to fix if it wants to contend for a Super Bowl title this year.

"There's just a lot I think we can be better at," Payton said. "We're not there. I'm excited about the win, but man, tough first half. That has to be better."